Stella McCartney introduces the Ryder handbag through a new portrait series led by Eva Mendes and photographed by Mary McCartney. Mendes appears as the inaugural face of the project, establishing the tone for a campaign built around individuals close to the brand. Her presence aligns with the values McCartney presents through the bag: advocacy, empathy, and a focus on conscious choices.
The Ryder bag draws from Stella McCartney’s long-held connection to horses. McCartney’s interest in equestrian culture informs the shape of the design and its purpose. The bag references the curve of a saddle while avoiding all animal-derived materials. McCartney frames the project through her continued opposition to the global industries that rely on animal slaughter for leather, meat, and glue. In response, the Ryder arrives made from the brand’s signature soft vegan alternative presented in suede, ostrich-effect, and snakeskin-effect finishes. A brass padlock with a metallic surface gives the bag a functional and visually distinct closure.
Mendes anchors the first release of the series as an actress, activist, and entrepreneur who has long expressed support for causes tied to protection and advocacy. Mary McCartney photographs her in images that focus on clear composition and the forms of the bag.
The Ryder debuted during Stella McCartney’s Summer 2025 runway show. Its curved silhouette references the lines of a horse’s neck and back, an anatomical detail that influenced its design from the outset. Every component follows McCartney’s vegan standard, including the glues used during assembly. The bag is constructed from recycled and grape-based leather alternatives, while the hardware uses recycled brass.
The broader campaign will expand in phases. Stella McCartney plans to feature additional friends of the house, each carrying a version of the Ryder. These portraits aim to unite figures who reflect the brand’s values through their work, voice, and individual presence. The Ryder handbag is now available on the Stella McCartney website and select retailers.
